Oman and FAO Sign Host Country Agreement to Establish Permanent Representation in Muscat

Rome – The Sultanate of Oman and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have formalized a groundbreaking partnership with the signing of a Host Country Agreement to establish permanent FAO representation in Oman, marking a new chapter in regional food security cooperation.

As part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)'s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnerships with countries in the Gulf region, and in light of the growing cooperation with the Sultanate of Oman, H.E. Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), and H.E. Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), signed the Host Country Agreement to establish FAO Representation in the Sultanate of Oman. The signing took place at FAO headquarters in Rome, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

This agreement comes in a landmark year as FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, adding symbolic significance to the event and reaffirming the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to supporting global efforts to achieve food security and sustainable development. The partnership also strengthens Oman's emerging role as a regional hub for food security and sustainable agriculture initiatives across the Gulf region.

Strategic Partnership Deepens Cooperation

The agreement marks a significant step forward in the cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and FAO. It enhances Oman's presence in international forums related to food and climate, and facilitates broader technical and knowledge-based collaboration, as well as the implementation of joint programmes and projects in agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources.

The permanent FAO representation will enable enhanced coordination on climate-smart agriculture initiatives, sustainable fisheries management, and water resource optimization - areas critical to Oman's economic diversification goals under Vision 2040. The office will also facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building programs tailored to the region's unique environmental challenges.

On this occasion, H.E. Dr. Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, stated: "The signing of the Host Country Agreement to establish a FAO Representation in the Sultanate of Oman reinforces the vital role played by the Organization regionally and globally in shaping public policies related to agriculture, livestock, food security, food safety, rural development, and natural resource management. This agreement represents a key milestone in our cooperation with FAO and reflects the Sultanate's commitment to Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes building a diversified and sustainable economy based on knowledge and innovation. Through this partnership, we aim to attract more projects and maximize the benefits of FAO's expertise, particularly in implementing national programmes and strategies and facilitating coordination across the sectors under the Ministry's mandate."

For his part, H.E. Dr. Thaer Yaseen, Head of the FAO Mission in the Sultanate of Oman, said: "The signing of this Host Country Agreement is a strategic step that strengthens FAO's ability to support member countries in building more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. It aligns with FAO's Four Betters – Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life – leaving no one behind. It also contributes to accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

We are confident that the establishment of a permanent FAO Representation in the Sultanate will deepen our partnership, expand technical cooperation, and enhance knowledge exchange at both national and regional levels."

Building on a Decade of Success

The agreement builds upon more than a decade of successful collaboration. Since 2012, FAO has been implementing projects across Oman's agricultural and fisheries sectors, focusing on sustainable development and climate resilience. The partnership has demonstrated exceptional momentum, with the project portfolio expanding by 83% between 2022 and 2024 through collaborations spanning government institutions, academic centers, and private sector partners. This remarkable growth reflects increasing mutual trust and an expanding scope of cooperation in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and rural development.

Regional Impact and Future Outlook

This partnership positions Oman as a strategic partner in FAO's regional efforts to transform agrifood systems across the Gulf. The agreement reflects both organizations' commitment to innovation-driven solutions that address food security challenges while promoting environmental sustainability and rural development.

The permanent FAO representation will contribute to accelerating progress toward multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to zero hunger, climate action, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The office will also enhance coordination with other UN agencies operating in Oman, creating synergies for comprehensive development approaches.

The establishment of this representation underscores the Sultanate's growing influence in international development cooperation and its commitment to being a catalyst for positive change in the region's approach to food security and sustainable agriculture.